Eighties pop hero Nik Kershaw has split from his wife following 20 years of marriage.

THE RIDDLE hitmaker - who has penned hits for the likes of SIR Elton John - and estranged wife SHERRI have three children together, and friends are shocked to hear of the sudden split.

Sherri confirms, "We have separated, but I have no desire to talk about it."

One pal adds, "It's a tragedy. Nik and Sherri have always been such a close couple. Nobody ever believed they would split up."

17/11/2003 09:32